Cycling is a great way to get in shape, feel better, have fun, and enjoy the out of doors. Sharing the road successfully with drivers is key to a cyclist’s safety.
The League of American Bicyclists offers these tips for cyclists and drivers on how to share the road successfully and safely:
Safety Tips for Cyclists
- Have your bike tuned up and tires inflated properly.
- Always wear a helmet—even on short trips. Make sure the helmet fits properly on the top of your head and not tipped back.
- Ride on the right in the same direction as traffic.
- Obey all traffic laws, lane markings, stop signs, and lights. The same laws that apply to drivers also apply to cyclists.
- Always use hand signals to indicate your intention to turn or stop.
- Look over your shoulder before you make a move.
- Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing. Use lights and reflectors at night.
- Make eye contact with motorists so they know you are there.
- Be predictable. Avoid sudden swerves and stops.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Watch for road hazards.
- Position yourself appropriately. On wide roads, ride 3-4 feet to the right of the cars in the traffic lane. On narrow roads, stay just inside the traffic lane so vehicles must cross the centerline to pass you. Allow enough room for a door to open when passing parked cars. Stay at least a foot from the curb to avoid curb debris. For turns, move into the proper lane 150 feet before the turn.
- Ride defensively and respectfully.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Drive cautiously and reduce your speed when approaching cyclists.
- In bad weather or situations potentially dangerous to cyclists, give cyclists extra room when behind or passing them.
- Yield the appropriate right of way to cyclists. They are considered vehicles and may take the entire lane if road conditions warrant it.
- Be considerate. Be watchful for cyclists when you are driving, do not blast your horn when close to cyclists, and watch for cyclists when opening your doors.
- Pass with care. Pass when conditions are safe to do so and leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the cyclist. Check over your shoulder after passing the cyclist before moving back to the normal lane position.
- Watch for children. Children on bicycles are often unpredictable, unfamiliar with traffic laws, and harder to see.
BikeEd Courses
Want to learn more on how to ride a bicycle safely and how to teach your children to ride cautiously on their own? The American League of Bicyclists offers a series of BikeEd safety courses led by certified League cycling instructors throughout the United States. To find a BikeEd course in your area, visit website www.bikeleague.org. Click on “Programs” and then “Bike Education.” Or, call the (202) 822-1333.
Sources: “Share the Road” and “Bike to Work,” League of American Bicyclists, www.bikeleague.org.
